On board NOAA’s research vessel, Hi’ialakai, the scientists have been visiting the CNMI since 2003 but last week was their first time to see Maug, Uracas and Asuncion since the surrounding waters were declared part of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument by the White House.
Congressman Gregorio C. Sablan, Saipan port manager Mary Ann Q. Lizama, Division of Environmental Quality Director Frank Rabauliman and CNMI coral reef point of contact Fran Castro boarded the ship on Friday and was given a tour by its commanding officer John Caskey and Lt. Junior Grade Kyle Ryan.
NOAA’s scientists also made a presentation about the findings of this year’s Marine Assessment and Monitoring Program.
Using the rapid ecological assessment method, Coral biologist Dr. Jean Kenyon and her team surveyed the coral community structure and its colony density.
Kenyon said despite the presence of crown of thorns that eats corals, there is a low level of coral disease this year not only in the CNMI but in the entire Marianas chain.
Many of Saipan’s reefs, Kenyon said, have a high diversity and biomass of algae which are an integral part of marine environment and the abundance of which “should not necessarily be looked at with alarm.”
Before NOAA’s study was conducted years ago, only 90 species of algae were documented.
Since then, 327 algae have been identified and 110 of these are newly recorded species, Kenyon said.
The scientists also shared the result of the fish survey at eight sites surrounding Saipan and some of the Northern Islands.
Chief scientist Robert Schroeder said several giant groupers were seen in Uracas and there was a relatively abundant fish diversity in Maug.
The research vessel is expected to leave this week, but Caskey said they will be back on May 7.
Caskey said it is his first time to be on Saipan and he finds it a beautiful island with wonderful people and amazing waters to snorkel in.
“We were here last night for the street market and had a lot of fun with so wonderful food. I think every one on the ship went and had a great time and when we come back on May 7, it’s also going to be a Thursday so we are going to be back out there again,” he said.
A&T Shipping provided the research vessels with necessary services.
